Gothic Project!

Year 9 Homework Project

Assessment

The final deadline for the project will be set by your teacher.

Final Deadline: _______________________________________

Name: _____________________________

Form: ______________________________

To ensure that you are completing the homework on a regular basis, your teacher will also ask to check the project at 3 points throughout the term.

1. Date____________ Teacher’s signature_________________

2. Date____________ Teacher’s signature_________________

3. Date____________ Teacher’s signature_________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________

Year 9 Homework ProjectSpring Term

Overall Skill Level Challenge Activity Level

Teacher’s comments:

Student’s comments:

Gothic Project

Your homework this term is a series of reading and writing activities based on the Gothic genre.

You should be spending about 1 hour a week on your English homework. It is important that you do regular homework and don’t leave it until the last minute. Your teacher will ask to check the progress of your homework project three times each term to make sure that you are working well.

For this project there are 10 different tasks but each task has more than one part to it. You should complete each task to the best of your ability.

For this project:

You MUST complete 5 of the tasks

You SHOULD complete 7 of the tasks

You could complete all of the tasks.

Ask your teacher if there’s anything you don’t understand!

Keep working hard and enjoy!

Task 1: The Chamber Read the following opening of the story called ‘The Chamber’ then complete the following tasks.

Answer the following questions. You may need a dictionary to help you. Write your answers in the gaps underneath each question.

1. What is an heir loom?

2. What time was it?

3. What does lustre mean?

4. What does bulbous mean?

5. The pearls are described as blood-warm to the touch. Why is the word blood so effective here?

6. Write down all the words associated with temperature.

7. Read paragraph two carefully. How does the author create dramatic tension?

8. Can you think of an old fashioned word for room?

Emily looked around her room, they certainly had made this old Victorian house into a beautiful hotel; she particularly liked the large, crimson, four poster bed that dominated the room. Hopefully, she would be warmer once in bed as she felt decidedly cold- somewhat irritating when she considered how much she had paid for the room. She looked around the room trying to decide where to place her jewellery. She saw a small, old-fashioned dressing table and placed her pearl choker carefully on the top, she didn't want it to get scratched as it was her most precious item- it belonged to her great, great grandmother and was a family heir loom. She fingered the pearls delicately; she

Story continuation....

What do you think will happen next? Your task is to write the next part of the story. Continue the story, trying to match the style of the opening of the story. Think about how you are going to create a tense atmosphere for your reader. Are you going to include a dramatic twist or ending? Think about the type of vocabulary that would be appropriate and effective.

Plan your ideas on this page then write the continued story on the following pages of lined paper.

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Task 2: New Moon by Stephanie Myers

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Read the following extract and then answer the questions in the spaces given.

The stone antechamber was not large. It opened quickly into a brighter, cavernous room, perfectly round like a huge castle turret …which was probably exactly what it was. Two stories up, long window slits threw thin rectangles of bright sunlight onto the stone floor below. There were no artificial lights. The only furniture in the room were several massive wooden chairs, like thrones, that were spaced unevenly, flush with the curving stone walls. In the very centre of the circle, in a slight depression, was another drain. I wondered if they used it as an exit, like the hole in the street.

The room was not empty. A handful of people were convened in seemingly relaxed conversation. The murmur of low, smooth voices was a gentle hum in the air. As I watched, a pair of pale women in summer dresses paused in a patch of light, and, like prisms, their skin threw the light in rainbow sparkles against the sienna walls.

The exquisite faces all turned toward our party as we entered the room. Most of the immortals were dressed in inconspicuous pants and shirts - things that wouldn’t stick out in the streets below. But the man who spoke first wore one of the long robes. It was pitch-black, and brushed against the floor. For a moment, I thought his long, jet-black hair was the hood of his cloak.“Jane, dear one, you’ve returned!” he cried in evident delight. His voice was just a soft sighing.

He drifted forward, and the movement flowed with such surreal grace that I gawked, my mouth hanging open. Even Alice, whose every motion looked like dancing, could not compare.

I was only more astonished as he floated closer and I could see his face. It was not like the unnaturally attractive faces that surrounded him (for he did not approach us alone; the entire group converged around him, some following, and some walking ahead of him with the alert manner of bodyguards). I couldn’t decide if his face was beautiful or not. I suppose the features were perfect. But he was as different from the vampires beside him as they were from me. His skin was translucently white, like onionskin, and it looked just as delicate-it stood in shocking contrast to the long black hair that framed his face. I felt a strange, horrifying urge to touch his cheek, to see if it was softer than Edward’s or Alice’s, or if it was powdery like chalk. His eyes were red, the same as the others around him, but the colour was clouded, milky; I wondered if his vision was affected by the haze.

He glided to Jane, took her face in his papery hands, kissed her lightly on her full lips, and then floated back a step.

Answer the following questions on the ‘New Moon’ extract in the spaces below.

1. Using a dictionary find a definition for ‘antechamber’.

2. Using a thesaurus find 3 synonyms (words that mean the same) for ‘cavernous’.

3. Rewrite the following sentence in words of your own. ‘A handful of people were convened in seemingly relaxed conversation’.

4. What words are used to describe the speaking voices of the people in the room?

5. Which one word, from the text, best describes the man who ‘wore one of the long robes’?

6. A simile is used to describe the man’s skin. Can you identify the simile and say why you think it was chosen?

7. Choose 2 metaphors from the passage and explain their meanings.

8. How does the description of ‘the man’ compare with a stereotypical

Now have a go at writing the opening paragraph to your own vampire novel. Who are your characters going to be? How are you going to create the right atmosphere in the opening paragraph? Think about the language and description that you use.

Task 3: Vampires

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7. Choose 2 metaphors from the passage and explain their meanings.

8. How does the description of ‘the man’ compare with a stereotypical

Read the extract from a novel called Dracula by Bram Stoker. Once you have read the extract, complete the following activities.

Use a dictionary to find the definitions of the following words from the extract. If there are any other words you’re not sure about, add them to your list too.

Word from extract Definition

Diffuse

salutation

Prosaic

Demoniac

Crucifix

Precipice

Chasm

Make a list of all the clues you can find that the Count might be a vampire. You might need to ask a friend or relative for some advice on what traditionally makes a vampire. Use evidence from the text to help you.

Clues Evidence

Couldn’t see the Count’s reflection

“I had hung my shaving glass by the window, and was just beginning to shave. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder..”

Task 4: The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs

The night was cold and wet, but in the small parlour the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly. Father and son were playing chess. The white-haired old lady was knitting placidly by the fire.‘Listen to the wind,’ said Mr White. ‘I should hardly think that he’d come tonight.’

Father and son sat with hands poised over the board.‘That’s the worst of living so far out,’ bawled Mr White, with sudden violence; ‘of all the beastly, slushy, out-of-the-way places to live in, this is the worst.’‘Never mind, dear,’ said his wife soothingly.Mr White looked up sharply, and the words died away on his lips.‘There he is,’ said Herbert White, as the gate banged loudly and heavy footsteps came toward the door.The old man rose with haste and, opening the door, was heard speaking with the new arrival. Mrs White coughed gently as her husband entered the room, followed by a tall, burly man.‘Sergeant-Major Morris,’ he said, introducing him.The sergeant-major shook hands and, taking the seat by the fire, watched contentedly while his host got whisky and tumblers.At the third glass his eyes got brighter, and he began to talk. The little family circle regarded with eager interest this visitor from distant parts who spoke of wild scenes and valiant deeds of wars and plagues, and strange peoples.‘Twenty-one years of it,’ said Mr White, nodding at his wife and son. ‘When he went away he was a slip of a youth. Now look at him.’‘He don’t look to have taken much harm,’ said Mrs White politely.‘I’d like to go to India myself,’ said the old man, ‘just to look round a bit, you know.’‘Better where you are,’ said the sergeant-major, shaking his head. He put down his empty glass and, sighing softly, shook it again.

‘I should like to look at those old temples,’ said the old man. ‘What was that you started telling me the other day about a Monkey’s paw or something, Morris?’‘Nothing,’ said the soldier hastily. ‘Leastways nothing worth hearing.’‘Monkey’s paw?’ said Mrs White curiously.‘Well, it’s just a bit of what you might call magic, perhaps,’ said the sergeant-major off-handedly.His three listeners leaned forward eagerly. The visitor absent-mindedly put his empty glass to his lips and then set it down again. His host filled it for him.

‘To look at,’ said the sergeant-major, fumbling in his pocket, ‘it’s just an ordinary little paw, dried to a mummy.’He took something out of his pocket. Mrs White drew back with a grimace, but her son, taking it, examined it curiously.‘And what is there special about it?’ inquired Mr White as he took it from his son and having examined it, placed it back upon the table.‘It had a spell put on it by an old fakir,’ said the sergeant-major, ‘a very holy man. He wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives and those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow. He put a spell on it so that three separate men could each have three wishes from it.’‘Well, why don’t you have three, sir?’ said Herbert White cleverly.‘I have,’ he said quietly, and his blotchy face whitened.‘And did you really have three wishes granted?’ asked Mrs White.‘I did,’ said sergeant-major, and his glass tapped against his strong teeth.‘And has anyone else wished?’ persisted the old lady.‘Yes. The first man had his three wishes. I don’t know what the first two were, but the third was for death. That’s how I got the paw.’His tones were so grave that a hush fell upon the group.

"If you've had your three wishes, it's no good to you now, then, Morris," said the old man at last. "What do you keep it for?"The soldier shook his head. "Fancy, I suppose," he said, slowly. "I did have some idea of selling it, but I don't think I will. It has caused enough mischief already. Besides, people won't buy. They think it's a fairy tale; some of them, and those who do think anything of it want totry it first and pay me afterward.""If you could have another three wishes," said the old man, eyeing him keenly, "would you have them?""I don't know," said the other. "I don't know."He took the paw, and dangling it between his forefinger and thumb, suddenly threw it upon the fire. White, with a slight cry, stooped down and snatched it off."Better let it burn," said the soldier, solemnly."If you don't want it, Morris," said the other, "give it to me.""I won't," said his friend, doggedly. "I threw it on the fire. If you keep it, don't blame me for what happens. Pitch it on the fire again like a sensible man."The other shook his head and examined his new possession closely. "How do you do it?" he inquired."Hold it up in your right hand and wish aloud," said the sergeant-major, "but I warn you of the consequences.""Sounds like the Arabian Nights," said Mrs. White, as she rose and began to set the supper. "Don't you think you might wish for four pairs of hands for me?"Her husband drew the talisman from pocket, and then all three burst into laughter as the sergeant-major, with a look of alarm on his face, caught him by the arm."If you must wish," he said, gruffly, "wish for something sensible."Mr. White dropped it back in his pocket, and placing chairs, motioned his friend to the table. In the business of supper the talisman was partly forgotten, and afterward the three sat listening in an enthralled fashion to a second instalment of the soldier's adventures in India."If the tale about the monkey's paw is not more truthful than those he has been telling us," said Herbert, as the door closed behind their guest, just in time for him to catch the last train, "we shan’t make much out of it.""Did you give him anything for it, father?" inquired Mrs. White, regarding her husband closely."A trifle," said he, colouring slightly. "He didn't want it, but I made him take it. And he pressed me again to throw it away." "Likely," said Herbert, with pretended horror. "Why, we're going to be rich, and famous and happy. Wish to be an emperor, father, to begin with; then you can't be henpecked."

Mr. White took the paw from his pocket and eyed it dubiously. "I don’t know what to wish for, and that's a fact," he said, slowly. "It seems to me I've got all I want.""If you only cleared the house, you'd be quite happy, wouldn't you?" said Herbert, with his

hand on his shoulder. "Well, wish for two hundred pounds, then; that’ll just do it."His father, smiling, held up the paw. His son winked at his mother, sat down at the piano and struck a few impressive chords."I wish for two hundred pounds," said the old man distinctly.A fine crash from the piano greeted the words, interrupted by a shuddering cry from the old man. His wife and son ran toward him."It moved," he cried, with a glance of disgust at the object as it lay on the floor.

"As I wished, it twisted in my hand like a snake.""Well, I don't see the money," said his son as he picked it up and placed it on the table, "and I bet I never shall.""It must have been your imagination, father," said his wife.He shook his head. "Never mind, though; there's no harm done, but it gave me a shock all the

same."They sat down by the fire again. Outside, the wind was higher than ever, and the old man jumped nervously at the sound of a door banging upstairs. A silence unusual anddepressing settled upon all three, which lasted until the old couple rose to retire for the night."I expect you'll find the cash tied up in a big bag in the middle of your bed," said Herbert, as he bade them good-night, "and something horrible squatting up on top of the wardrobe watching you as you pocket your ill-gotten gains."He sat alone in the darkness, gazing at the dying fire, and seeing faces in it. The last face was so horrible that he gazed at it in amazement.' It got so vivid that, with a little uneasy laugh, he felt on the table for a glass containing a little water to throw over it. Hishand grasped the monkey's paw, and with a little shiver he wiped his hand on his coat and went up to bed.

After reading the story, answer the following questions on the lined paper.

1. Why does the story start with the father and son playing chess? Does the father’s strategy at the chess game tell you anything about his personality? If so, what?

2. Note any of the characters’ actions you feel are significant on the chart below. What conclusions can you draw about each of the characters from analyzing their actions?

Character Action Conclusion

Mr. White Yells about the foul weather and the poor condition of the road they live on.

He’s frustrated because he has lost at chess and he is getting rid of his emotions.

Mr. White

Mrs. White

Mrs. White

Herbert White

Herbert White

Major Morris

Major Morris

3. Sergeant Major Morris describes the monkey's paw in this way: "It had a spell put on it by an old fakir,…a very holy man. He wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow." What does Morris’ statement mean when you first read it?

4. Why does Major Morris throw the monkey's paw onto the fire and why do the Whites react so strongly?

5. What makes Jacobs' style of writing unique?

Read the following passage and think about how he puts his words together to create a mood. Underline words or passages that seem important to you.

"…and a horrible fear that his wish would bring his mangled son before him ere he could escape from the room seized upon him , and he caught his breath as he found he had lost the direction of the door. His brow cold with sweat, he felt his way around the table, and groped along the wall until he found himself in the small passage with the unwholesome thing in his hand."

6. How does Jacobs set the mood and/or tone of the story? How does he build suspense? Think about the way he uses silence as a way to create a mood. What does he describe at the end as the husband and wife lie in bed waiting for their wish to come true?

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Task 5: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Read the following extract from the novel and then colour code it with the list of features below.

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It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. With an anxiety that

almost amounted to agony, collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being

into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally

against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light,

I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs.

How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite

pains and care I had endeavoured to form? His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as

beautiful. Beautiful! -- Great God! His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries

beneath; his hair was of a lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of a pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances

only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same colour as the dun

white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips.

Colour code the text with the following words and techniques.

●Horror ingredients/conventions

●Words which have a feeling of horror

●Words to show this was written in the 1800s

Words which show the character’s fear

●Words which show the mixed feelings the character has about his creation

●Words to describe the monster

Frankenstein Research TaskUse the internet or books from the Resource Centre to research the following information about the novel and its author.

Answer the questions on the following pages of lined paper. Add more if you need to.

1. Who was Mary Shelley married to and why was he famous?

2. Who were Shelley’s parents and what were they famed for?

3. Who wrote ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ and what was this narrative about?

It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. With an anxiety that

almost amounted to agony, collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being

into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally

against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light,

I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs.

How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite

pains and care I had endeavoured to form? His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as

beautiful. Beautiful! -- Great God! His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries

beneath; his hair was of a lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of a pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances

only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same colour as the dun

white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips.

4. Who was Dante? What is he most famous for writing?

5. Who was Prometheus and what happened to him?

6. What was the first ‘gothic novel’? When was it published?

7. What are some of the conventions of the traditional Gothic novel?

8. What was the story behind the creation and writing of Frankenstein (e.g where was Shelley, who was she with etc)?

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Frankenstein: The SettingDraw this scene from chapter 5 and annotate your work with quotations.

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It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs.

Task 6: Create your own monsterRe-read the passage where Mary Shelley’s monster comes to life to remind yourself of the monster, Victor Frankenstein’s reaction to it and the atmosphere that is created.

Now imagine that you, like Dr Frankenstein, have created a monster. Write a description of the moment it woke up.

Try to include the following:

A spooky setting for your tale

Describe in detail what the monster looks, smells, feels and sounds like. Does it speak to you? How does it move?

Describe your own feelings when you see the monster come to life.

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Draw a picture of your monster, labelling it with details of its features.

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Task 7: Re-design of cover artwork

Front and back cover design

Oxford University Press

MEMO

From: Marketing and Advertising Director

To:

Creative/Media Design Team

RE: Re-design of cover artwork- Frankenstein

Hi team,

As you’ll be aware, we are currently updating the artwork for the book covers of the Oxford Playscripts series which is aimed at students aged 11-16.

I’d like you to take responsibility for re-designing the cover artwork of the Frankenstein playscript so that it’s more appealing to its intended teenage audience.

It is important that you try to convey the Gothic elements of this story: whether you choose to do that through the font you use, images or the colour scheme- those are the decisions you’ll have to make! Don’t forget the back cover. Make use of this space

Written description of new Frankenstein playscript cover.

You need to write about:

●The colours, images and font you used.

●The reasons for your choices.

●Why you hope it will appeal to teenagers.

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Task 8: The Phantom Hitch-HikerThe Phantom Hitchhiker is an example of an urban myth. This is where stories are told and passed on as though they are the truth, even though sometimes they are made up. The person telling the story will often say that it’s happened to someone they know; to give it a more truthful feel!

Read the opening of The Phantom Hitch-hiker and discuss with your friends and family what you think happens next. Write down your idea about the ending and then write down the ideas of at least 2 other people.

My idea…..

A man was going home late one night to Birkenhead and he stops to give a hitch-hiker a lift at the entrance of the Mersey Tunnel. The biker is a girl and, seeing her shiver, the man lends her his jumper. She tells him her address in Birkenhead, but then, as they emerge from the tunnel, he turns and the girl is not there……….

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1st person’s idea Signed……………………………………….

2nd person' Signed…………………………………………..

You now need to write another two paragraphs to show a final version of the story. Your version must include the following words:

elderly woman picture car accident

cemetery jumper grave

Try and make your version as strange and as frightening as you can!

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Once you have completed your ending of the story, turn to the back of this project to see the ‘original’ ending. DON’T CHEAT AND READ IT FIRST!

●Now ask a friend, parent/carer, brother or sister to help you with the next task.

●In pairs prepare an interview between a policeman or a reporter and the phantom hitch-hiker. One of you should play the role of the policeman or reporter, and the other should be the phantom. Once you have decided on the questions and answers, write up your interview and practise your finished role-play for performance.

Remember:

●The policeman or reporter will want to find out as much as possible about the phantom.

●The phantom will need to think carefully about her story and her feelings towards being a ghost.

Write up your interview in the box below and get someone to sign to show that you’ve completed the interview and that you’ve performed it!

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Writing a newspaper report The Phantom Hitch-Hiker

1. Name

First decide on the name of your newspaper. Will it be a tabloid or a broadsheet? If you choose a tabloid, remember to make your story sensational and even unbelievable. If you are writing or a broadsheet, your report will need to be more serious and realistic. Once you have decided, choose a name-this can be a real newspaper name, or one you have made up.

2. Logo

Design a small logo for your newspaper, and decide on the price and date.

3. Headline

Write a headline. Remember- this needs to be in large print, and should be short and snappy. E.g. GHOSTLY GOINGS-ON!

4. Sub-heading

Write a sub-heading. This needs to explain a little more about the contents of the article. E.g. Phantom reveals all

5. Photograph

Draw a photograph relating to the story, with an explanation of what is happening in the picture.

6. The story

Now decide on 6 paragraphs which tell your version of the phantom’s story. For two of the paragraphs, select a quote from your interview which backs up the story.

Remember!

•The first paragraph should be a dramatic beginning to the story.

For example: “The case of the phantom hitch-hiker developed bizarrely on Wednesday evening.”

•The last paragraph should finish the story in a powerful or mysterious way.

For example: “Is this the last we will see of the phantom hitch-hiker?”

Complete your newspaper front page on separate paper and attach it to your

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Task 9: Susan Hill The Woman in Black Read the following passage and show your understanding by answering the questions in as much detail as you can. Remember to write in full sentences.

In this passage the narrator is in an overgrown graveyard on a lonely marsh when - for the second time - he sees a ghostly woman in black.

In the greyness of the fading light, her face had the sheen and pallor not of flesh so much as

of bone itself. Earlier, when I had looked at her, although admittedly it had been scarcely

more than a swift glance each time, I had not noticed any particular expression on her

ravaged face, but then I had, after all, been entirely taken with the look of extreme illness.

Now, however, as I stared at her, stared until my eyes ached in their sockets, stared in

surprise and bewilderment at her presence, now I saw her face did wear an expression. It

was one of what I can only describe - and the words seem hopelessly inadequate to express

what I saw - as a desperate, yearning malevolence; it was as though she were searching for

something she wanted, needed - must have, more than life itself, and which had been taken

from her. And, towards whoever had taken it she directed the purest evil and hatred and

loathing, with all the force that was available to her. Her face, in its extreme pallor, her eyes,

sunken but unnaturally bright, were burning with the concentration of passionate emotion

which was within her and which streamed from her. Whether or not this hatred and

malevolence was directed towards me I had no means of telling - I had no reason at all to

suppose that it could possibly have been, but at that moment I was far from able to base my

reactions upon reason and logic. For the combination of the peculiar, isolated place and the

sudden appearance of the woman and the dreadfulness of her expression began to fill me

with fear. Indeed, I had never in my life been so possessed by it, never known my knees to

tremble and my flesh to creep, and then to turn cold as stone, never known my heart to give

a great lurch, as if it would almost leap up into my dry mouth and then begin pounding in my

chest like a hammer on an anvil, never known myself gripped and held fast by such dread

and horror and apprehension of evil.

Writing a newspaper report The Phantom Hitch-Hiker

1. Name

First decide on the name of your newspaper. Will it be a tabloid or a broadsheet? If you choose a tabloid, remember to make your story sensational and even unbelievable. If you are writing or a broadsheet, your report will need to be more serious and realistic. Once you have decided, choose a name-this can be a real newspaper name, or one you have made up.

2. Logo

Design a small logo for your newspaper, and decide on the price and date.

3. Headline

Write a headline. Remember- this needs to be in large print, and should be short and snappy. E.g. GHOSTLY GOINGS-ON!

4. Sub-heading

Write a sub-heading. This needs to explain a little more about the contents of the article. E.g. Phantom reveals all

5. Photograph

Draw a photograph relating to the story, with an explanation of what is happening in the picture.

6. The story

Now decide on 6 paragraphs which tell your version of the phantom’s story. For two of the paragraphs, select a quote from your interview which backs up the story.

Remember!

•The first paragraph should be a dramatic beginning to the story.

For example: “The case of the phantom hitch-hiker developed bizarrely on Wednesday evening.”

•The last paragraph should finish the story in a powerful or mysterious way.

For example: “Is this the last we will see of the phantom hitch-hiker?”

Complete your newspaper front page on separate paper and attach it to your

1) Which three words does the narrator use to describe the expression on the woman’s face?

2) Re-read the third sentence (“Now, however” to “…an expression”).

How does the way that sentence is written build up tension?

Explain one way.

3) The woman’s face suggests a contrast between death and illness, and fierce energy.

a) Choose from the text two groups of words which show this contrast. Use no more than four words in each box.

Death/illness Fierce energy

b) Explain why you think the contrast is effective.

4) In the whole text, how does the writer’s use of language show the narrator’s growing fear?

You should comment on how the writer:

- uses descriptions

- suggests the narrator’s feelings

- creates a dramatic mood

Task 10: Write a Gothic Story

Your task is to now write your own Gothic story using some of the ideas you’ve gained throughout this project. Your story should be no more than 2 sides of A4 paper.

How to write an effective Gothic Story!

Setting the scene

Begin your story with two paragraphs setting the scene. What exactly is frightening about the place your character is spending the night? Remember that the setting is usually isolated and the main character is alone.

The spooky characters

Include a description of the place’s reputation. Why does it strike fear into people? Something evil is lurking. Is the place haunted by ghosts, the home of a vampire, the lair of a werewolf?

The character’s feelings

Describe how your character feels at the beginning of the story. Nervous? Excited? Brave? What happens to suddenly frighten them? Write about how his or her feelings change because of the events that take place.

Build up suspense

Use short sentences and drag out the events in the last couple of paragraphs.

The end

Your ending should be strong. Think about whether you will reveal all, or leave your readers to guess about the true nature of the Gothic place. You could end your story with a cliff-hanger or a twist in the tale.

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This is an optional task if you want to really push yourself in English!

Here is a reading list of books of the Gothic Genre. Have a go at reading as many of them as you like. If you want to know more about them, ask your English teacher or one of the members of staff in the Resource Centre.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Morganville Vampire Series by Rachel Caine

Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead

The Last Vampire Series by Christopher Pike

Nightworld Series by L.G Smith

Twighlight series by Stephanie Myers

It by Stephen King

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

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Keep a reading journal whilst reading and show your English teacher when you have finished. Some of these books are quite a challenge but have a go and enjoy!

This is an optional task if you want to really push yourself in English!

Verbal/Linguistic

Visual/ Spatial

Logical/numerical

Musical/Rhythmic

These tasks utilise Gardener’s Multiple Intelligences. Different people have preferred ways of learning, and these tasks help will help you to use different parts of your brain using your preferred learning style.

Decide which of these best describes the way you like to learn.

Verbal /Linguistic: I like activities with reading and learning new words, and looking for symbols in what I read.

Visual/Spatial: I like activities where I can be expressive in artistic ways.

Logical/Numerical: I like activities which have a definite outcome, I like problem solving, and seeing patterns in things.

Musical/Rhythmic: I like activities that I can use music with. I like to create music, or can see the rhythmic patterns to things.

Interpersonal: I like activities where I can talk to others to find out what they think, and discuss the answers they come up with.

Naturalistic: I like activities where I am outside and can use things from the nature to help my learning.

Interpersonal Naturalistic

1. Find a verse or two of song lyrics that you like that can be linked to the Gothic Genre. Investigate and find out what they mean or are about. If you can’t find out, draw your own conclusions. Play the song/read the lyrics to your teacher, friends or family. Explain what they are about and why you have chosen them.

2. Watch a modern Gothic film like ‘The Crow’ or ‘Sleepy Hollow’ and analyse what elements make it Gothic. Discuss your findings with your teacher, friends or family looking at what we would expect to see and what is new and innovative in the film.

3.Create a powerpoint presentation for the creation of a successful Gothic text. What exactly needs to be included to make the writing Gothic?

4.Edgar Allen Poe’s poem, ‘The Raven’ is a famous Gothic poem. Find a copy of the poem and then construct a cartoon or series of images which best represent the first eight stanzas.

5.Find a Pre-Raphaelite painting that you like and print it out. Annotate the painting for all its symbols and use of colour. Find out the background and meaning to the painting.

6.Choose a poem that you know or like from the Gothic Genre. Familiarise yourself with it, think about the musical beat or rhythm and perform the poem as a song or a rap.

7.Interview someone about their favourite Gothic monster from film or literature. Think of at least 10 open questions that you can use, and write it up as a magazine interview. You may also wish to conduct a survey of people to see which Gothic monster is the most popular.

8.Write a poem about the Gothic environment where in each line, instead of the written word, you actually have the object stuck in instead of the word (eg: feather, leaf, bark etc).

The Phantom Hitch-Hiker- the full story!

A man going home late at night to Birkenhead stops to give a hitch-hiker a life at the entrance to the Mersey Tunnel. The hiker is a girl and, seeing her shiver, he lends her a sweater. She tells him her address in Birkenhead, but then, as they emerge from the Tunnel, he turns and the girl is not there.

In great bewilderment he calls at the address. An elderly woman answers the door and he tells her his tale. As he does so he notices that she is crying. She goes in and returns with a picture of the girl. It is her daughter who was killed in a car accident in the Mersey Tunnel. The man is incredulous until she tells him the address of the cemetery where the girl has been buried.He walks among the graves until he sees one with a sweater draped over it. It is his sweater. He bends down to read the writing on the grave and it is the girl’s grave.

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